With training camps more than two months away, teams continue to evaluate their rosters. We’re making evaluations, too. Here are the Kansas City Chiefs whose stock is trending up—and down.
Stock Up
Chris Jones, defensive tackle: The 28-year-old had a career year last season. In 17 games, Jones tied for fourth the NFL in sacks with 15.5 and earned a first-team All-Pro nod. He finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Dallas’ Micah Parsons and San Francisco’s Nick Bosa.
Jones has one year remaining on his contract. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor reported he wants a deal that makes him the league’s second-highest-paid DT. It’s a steep price, but Kansas City should show him the money because he could help them win more Super Bowls.
Isiah Pacheco, running back: Pacheco — the 251st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft — was a steal. He shined during the Chiefs 38-35 victory over the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, rushing for 76 yards and a touchdown.
He also started 11 regular-season games and rushed for 830 yards. Superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is a big fan.
« He’ll be a main staple of this team for a long time, » Mahomes said during Super Bowl week, per CBS Sports.
Expect the 23-year-old to have a larger role this season.
Stock Down
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, running back: Kansas City clearly has lost confidence in the former first-round pick. Last season, he started in six games before losing the job to Pacheco. Per Pro Football Reference, the Chiefs only used him on 32 percent of snaps, a career low. Kansas City didn’t exercise his fifth-year option and re-signed Jerick McKinnon as its RB2, so the 24-year-old could be a potential trade or cut candidate.
Justin Reid, safety: Reid signed a three-year, $31.5M contract last offseason but underperformed. In 17 games in 2022, he had no interceptions and allowed a 106.1 passer rating in coverage, the second-highest mark of his career. He also tied for the 10th-most receptions allowed (35) last season.
Kansas City ranked 19th in passing yards allowed in 2022. The secondary must improve because young, talented QBs like Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow keep emerging in the AFC. Reid must elevate his game. Otherwise, he might become a liability and expendable.